Page 45 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

I sigh. It’s better for him to think that way than otherwise. “I suppose. A slow start, but maybe it’s like a warm-up and I’ll be ready soon enough.”

“Well, we’re going to be listening to the principal soon, so... I hope your warm-up won’t take too long.”

I roll my eyes after making sure only the teaching staff is around. “I’ll be ready by then, probably.”

“Hopefully.”

The lift dings as it arrives, and the door opens. Everyone goes in one by one, and I follow them. I lift my arms and try to put them in a way that won’t end up in someone’s face while maximizing the efficiency of the lift. It’s not a good look to be late for the assembly.

The door closes, and the lift descends. I hope the early training session didn’t leave me too sweaty. It will be... mean to my co-workers who are confined in this tiny space with me. No one is scowling or staring at me, so I imagine it is fine.

It doesn’t take long before we get inside the assembly hall. Winnie is sitting by my side, like always, but her face is colder than ice. Maybe she doesn’t want to see me.

What did I do to her? I’d apologize if I knew what that was about, but it wasn’t even fair when she said nothing. I don’t know how to mind read, so...

I squirm in my seat, trying to stay focused on anything other than my own thoughts.

She glances at me, so I hurry to put my arms away. I don’t think I touched her, but maybe they were too close to her for her to feel safe.

Why does it have to end up like this?

She could have told me what was wrong. I’d listen to her.

The principal is still rambling on the stage, and I can’t process a single word from him. I’m not hearing a single word.

When will this be over, and I get to talk to Winnie?

Chapter 20

Winnie

After the assembly is over, I hurry out of the hall before Telke has time to talk to me. I can see it on his face. He has things to ask, which... I understand.

I’m just...

I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t know what’s wrong with me or him, but...

Heat simmers in my stomach and the same nudge that pulls me to him is back, which I hate.

I just want to be alone. I moved cities to do that, yet... Somehow, that four-armed guy thinks he can barge into my life...

A shadow shows up in front of me. I halt before I will run into the door of the library. If I slam my head against it, it won’t end well.

It’s all Telke’s fault.

I pull the key card and swipe to unlock the door. My stomach does a flip-flop as I head to the counter. I don’t have to keep thinking about Telke. There are a lot more meaningful things waiting for me to do. For example, to sleeve up the new books from yesterday that I procrastinated over because Telke distracted me.

I pick up the books from the bag and clear enough room on my desk for the equipment. The colorful books always brighten my day.

After the terrible fallout with my ex, I’ve had enough staying with someone or trying to stay with someone. I’m fine on my own. All I have to do is to keep my head down and not get fired, then I’ll be able to save up and take care of myself, which is the only thing I should be caring about.

Not Telke, even though he gives great hugs.

I wrap up the books in transparent plastic sleeves, putting them to the side for indexing. Fresh new books smell amazing. I flip through the pages and enjoy the illustration. I think books aimed at adults should have more illustrations too.

I wrap up another book when there are steps coming my way. I put up a smile for the business.

But... It’s Telke. I’m not surprised, but...

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